Safety Around Water

SAFETY AROUND WATER (S.A.W.) PROGRAM

Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely. SAW (Safety Around Water) is a national YMCA initiative that teaches children the basics of water safety.

Through a partnership with Richmond County Schools, the Family Y provides water safety classes during the school year to all second graders.

SAW is offered at the Aiken County Family YMCA, Barnwell County Family YMCA, Burke County Family YMCA, Thomson Family YMCA and Wilson Family YMCA. By learning to perform a sequenced set of skills over five lessons of 30 minutes each, the risk of drowning is reduced, giving your child confidence in and around the water.

Register now for Safety Around Water Week May 20-24!!

The week consists of five 30-minute sessions designed to teach kids water safety skills that help reduce the risk of drowning and build confidence in and around water.

This is a FREE program for children aged 3-12. Sessions will be held at 5 YMCA locations with a couple time options to choose from. Spaces are limited.

For more information about our Safety Around Water Program, contact Jessica Bacon, Training and Outreach Director at 706-922-9642 or [email protected].

A Typical Session Includes:

1. Exercises to help kids adjust to being in water

2. Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water

3. Specific safety topics, like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help

4. Fun activities that reinforce skills